March 15, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
It's been a long time coming, but construction of an upscale three-story residential/retail building to replace the overgrown lot and dilapidated former Settles Glass business at the intersection of North and Station streets in Hingham Square is expected to begin soon.
Last night the Historic Districts Commission approved the final design, including colors, exterior details, window patterns in keeping with others on North Street, updated landscaping, and outdoor light fixtures.
"We're hoping to start work in May, with an 18-month construction window," said Matt Falconeiri of Falconeiri Construction -- the local builder/developer for the project whose company also built the near-replica Lincoln Building in downtown Hingham. Hingham Architect Vcevy Strekalovsky designed the project.
"This will be a real asset to the downtown area," Strekalovsky said.
Obtaining the necessary board approvals for this mixed-use proposal is a big accomplishment. The only approval still needed is from the Selectmen for related work in the public way -- signage, sidewalks, construction fencing, etc. -- as was the case with the Lincoln Building.
The process has been lengthy, following two earlier failed proposals for a biergarten, and years later a larger mix of residential and commercial units.
"I am sincerely happy to see something come to life on this blighted site that has been vacant for so long. The town boards have been wonderful to work with," Falconeiri said. "This building is critical to other businesses along the North Street corridor because it will help link downtown Hingham to the harborfront. I'm super-excited and proud to be part of that. This will allow for fluid pedestrian traffic from Hingham Square to the harbor, helping to close the current void and supporting businesses on both ends."
This is a big step toward achieving the longtime desire of the town to link Hingham Square and North Street businesses to the harborfront, which has undergone and continues to undergo major improvements -- including a paved boardwalk and a bathhouse/snack shop/community meeting room now under construction.
The building will include four spacious upscale condominium units -- two on each of the second and third floors -- ranging from 1,700- to 1,900-square feet, each featuring two bedrooms and a den. "This will be single-floor living with elevator service, meeting all the tastes and preferences of today's discerning buyers," Falconeiri told the Hingham Anchor.
There's a single, 2,300-foot retail condominium space on the first floor -- occupant not yet known.
"The building has the rambling architectural design that you see along that stretch of North Street," Falconeiri said.
A chimney has been incorporated into the design. "It's a familiar architectural feature up and down North Street," Strekalovsky told the Anchor. "The chimney will enclose the elevator vents and HVAC equipment for a cleaner look."
The rear entrance for residents now has a more residential look, with the retail entrance at the front of the building. More stone has been incorporated into the curbing and retaining walls as well, Strekalovsky said. A bench may also be installed at the intersection of North and Station streets.
While the HDC granted initial approval before the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals did so, a sign-off on the final design was required. The HDC reviews projects located in historic districts to ensure they fit into the surrounding streetscape. This site is located in the Lincoln Local Historic District.
Falconeiri Construction, based in Middleboro since 1971, is moving its headquarters to the Industrial Park in Hingham this summer.